McHenry Community High School educators were able to show early student success stories from the newly implemented AVID elective program during a March 6 showcase that drew other Illinois and Wisconsin school teachers and administrators.
About 30 educators from districts in Peoria, Niles, Harvard, southern Wisconsin, and more, visited both Freshman Campus and Upper Campus classrooms to see McHenry’s program in action. AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elective college and career readiness program designed to motivate students to build on their skills and knowledge by taking on new challenges.
That same week, McHenry High School District 156 educators learned that McHenry is one of two AVID programs in Illinois to make the list of 45 sites across the country that will be celebrated as part of AVID’s 45th anniversary. A certificate will be presented in April.
English Instructor Heidie Dunn, who is the AVID site coordinator for McHenry High School District 156, said McHenry was selected by AVID to host the free showcase for other educators. Dunn said hosting an AVID showcase in a school's second year of implementation is typically unheard of, but Dr. Brent Anderson, McHenry’s advisor from AVID, was proud of McHenry’s early success.
The daylong program included tours, a panel discussion with students, and classroom visits. Just prior to the panel with sophomore students, who were the first AVID elective students during the 2023-24 school year, Dunn said she was particularly proud of two data points from the new program. They are:
Ninety-four percent of students in AVID have five or fewer discipline incidents
One hundred percent of students are involved in sports and/or activities
During the panel discussion, educators were able to hear from sophomore AVID students, many of whom started with AVID when they were freshmen.
Students described how they’ve become better students by improving their skills in things such as taking notes in class, organizing assignments, and advocating for themselves.
“The AVID program helps us find who we are and what we want to do in the future,” said Lexi Wilsman.
Dunn said AVID instructors have made an effort to create a family atmosphere for students. For example, they held a “Friendsgiving” event in November.
“I’m so proud of this group,” Dunn said.
